Entry Level Network Security Engineer Jobs in Connecticut

Job Description: Network Security Engineer 1/2 Search #: 499046Work type: Full-timeLocation: UConn StorrsCategories: Information Technology JOB SUMMARY Under the direction of the Chief Information Security Officer, the Network Security Engineer is responsible for the development and operation of UConn’s Network Security (NetSec) infrastructure and systems. The engineer deploys and manages highly available network security technologies to support secure network and secure digital communication at the university. The role will assess, develop, deploy and maintain network security systems including firewalls, site to site VPN, client VPN, IDP, IDS, network detection and response (NDR), varied firewall rulesets, access control rulesets, and related systems. The Network Security Engineer is responsible for investigating a diverse range of technical issues across multiple platforms and working with clients who have a wide range of technical proficiency. The engineer works among a team of skilled information security and network professionals to address problems within a complex network environment and develop solutions that will operate effectively in the environment. The Network Security Engineer is responsible for processes and procedures to ensure the continuous improvement of monitoring, detection, and mitigation capabilities network communications. The engineer plans, organizes and establishes priorities related to an assignment; works independently with minimal outside support; and handles sensitive information in a confidential manner. SALARYNetwork Security Engineer 1 (Information Security Analyst 1 – UCP 4): $67,666 to $87,966Network Security Engineer 2 (Information Security Analyst 2 – UCP 6): $84,880 to $110,344 Note: Please indicate the role you are applying for in your cover letter. All minimum qualifications must be met at the applicable level to be eligible for consideration at that level. Applicable role will be verified by the hiring committee with respect for qualifications and demonstrated experience. Final salary will be commensurate with experience. BENEFITS INCLUDEDefined contribution with employer match or defined benefit program retirement optionsExcellent and affordable healthcare options35-hour work week22 paid vacation days per year, paid sick leave, and 13 paid holidaysEmployee and dependent tuition waiversA highly desirable work environment and work-life balance DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Network Security Engineer 1Uses security tools to identify, investigate, and mitigate threats to the environment.Supports UConn’s security infrastructure, including but not limited to, firewalls, VPNs, IDS / IDP / NDR, logging, SIEM, and identity access management.Monitor and respond to threats, events, alerts and incidents.Use SIEM, IDS/IDP, EDR, NDR and Firewall systems to identify threats and attacks.Assist in containment and mitigation activities.Patch and update firewalls.Maintain and troubleshoot firewall rules and configurations.Maintain and troubleshoot VPN configurations.Triage and respond to service requests from customers and/or internal teams.Maintain awareness of potential and developing threats across industry and in general.Participate in incident response activities as required for cyber security incidents.Maintain appropriate documentation and diagrams of infrastructure and security systems.Promote security awareness to improve and ensure system security and best practices.Interact with customers, forge relationships, and contribute to the development of the community.May participate in on-call rotation, after-hour changes, and after-hour escalations as needed.Other related duties as assigned. Network Security Engineer 2 (additional responsibilities inclusive of Engineer 1)Administers, develops and supports UConn’s security infrastructure, including but not limited to, firewalls, VPNs, IDS / IDP / NDR, firewall management, logging, SIEM, and identity access management.Research, recommend, implement, and support security tools and counter measures to reflect the evolving security terrain and trends; perform network security testing and reports as needed.Develop scripts or deploy programs to assist with automation, provisioning, and/or telemetry, and to ensure integrity of resources to dependent systems.Produce and maintain detailed engineering plans, operating procedures, diagrams, models, and standards as they relate to network security design, deployment, and operations.Proactively analyze network traffic, system logs, to identify threats, intrusions, and/or compromises.Performs analysis of security incidents to help determine root cause and prevent future occurrences.Triage and respond to service requests from customers and/or internal teams.Maintain awareness of potential and developing threats across industries and in general.Participate in cyber security incident response activities as required.Maintain appropriate documentation and diagrams of infrastructure and security systems.Promote security awareness to improve and ensure system security and best practices.Participate in on-call rotation, after-hour changes, and after-hour escalations as needed.Other related duties as assigned. RELATED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIESProblem Solving: Demonstrates sound analytic and diagnostic skills dealing with issues that are loosely defined and/or where information is available but must be further manipulated. Once decisions are made, follow and direct action to implement intended results. Breaks a problem down to manageable pieces and implements effective, timely solutions. Openly and directly confront issues until resolved.Team Orientation: Builds relationships with peers and other departments to achieve objectives. Balances team and individual responsibilities. Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views. Gives and welcomes feedback. Puts success of team above self. Responsibilities are assigned with some latitude for setting priorities and decision-making using established policies and procedures. Results are reviewed with next-level team lead/manager for clarification and direction before proceeding.Planning and Project Management: Works with, or serves as, the project lead in identifying those project tasks that are most important, establishes clear priorities and understands the larger picture. Executes project tasks and creates documentation as required.Physical Demands: This position involves extended periods of sitting and the extensive use of computers and office equipment. May involve stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or working on step ladders. Involves close vision, color vision, depth perception, and focus adjustment. Must be able to lift 35 lbs. to shoulder height. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Network Security Engineer 1Must meet and maintain eligibility requirements associated with working on CUI/CTI data, such as but not limited to holding U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, at the level required and as determined by the Facility Security Officer and the Office of Export Control.Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of related experience (IT/Security), ORAssociate’s degree and two (4) years of related experience (IT/Security), ORSix (6) years of related experience (IT/Security).Demonstrated knowledge of network architecture concepts including topology, protocols, components, and principles.Experience creating, troubleshooting, and managing firewall rules.Experience setting up, installing, configuring, deploying and patching firewalls.Knowledge of information security concepts including confidentiality, accessibility, integrity, threats, risk, authentication, authorization and others.Knowledge of detection and protection techniques.Knowledge of information security event triage and incident response concepts.Demonstrated technical, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills. Network Security Engineer 2 (inclusive of Network Security Engineer 1)Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years of related experience (IT/Security), ORAssociate’s degree and four (4) years of related experience (IT/Security), ORSix (6) years of related experience (IT/Security).One (1) or more years of experience working in an information security role in the network security domain.Experience applying knowledge of network architecture concepts including topology, protocols, components, and principles.Experience setting up, installing, configuring, deploying and patching firewalls in an enterprise environment.Experience applying knowledge of firewalls, VPN, network proxies, and network design.Experience with network flow data (i.e., NetFlow, sFlow, IPFIX) or related forms of flow records and session summary data.Demonstrated understanding of diagnostic and troubleshooting tools, such as the ability to perform detailed analysis on packet capture data, SIM/SIEM log analysis, and failure diagnosis.Experience managing enterprise security devices/platforms from vendors such as Fortinet, Palo Alto, Arbor/NetScout, f5, iBoss, Splunk, Cisco and/or Juniper.Demonstrated programming/development/scripting skills (Python, PHP, PERL, and/or Powershell).Experience in security analysis, policies, procedures and standards.Demonstrated technical, analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Network Security Engineer 1Bachelor’s degree or higher in a Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) field.Experience working with network flow data.Experience using NDR/XDR technologies.Demonstrated ability to stay informed in securing evolving technologies.Experience working in a higher education environment. Network Security Engineer 2 (inclusive of Network Security Engineer 1)Demonstrated understanding of a wide array of enterprise applications/services including DNS, SMTP, SSL/TLS, IIS, Apache, LDAP, CAS, Entra, Azure/AWS, SQL, RADIUS, TACACS, etc.Demonstrated understanding of related security domain concepts including Identity & Access Management, Security Operations, Application Security, Risk Management, and Incident Management.Experience securing on-prem and cloud provider-based networks.Experience configuring and troubleshooting client and point to point VPNs.Experience administering and deploying Palo Alto firewalls.Experience administering and deploying Cisco firewalls.Experience administering and deploying Fortinet firewalls.Experience administering and deploying Meraki network gear.Experience deploying, administering, operating, and troubleshooting firewall management systems such as Tufin, Panorama, Fortimanager, and Cisco FMC.Experience deploying, administering, operating, integrating and troubleshooting Cisco Anyware and Cisco ISE.Experience with NDR/XDR (ie SNA/Stealthwatch, Vectra).Experience with network monitoring platforms (ie LogicMonitor).Experience with automation using vendor API’s.Experience in contract negotiations, pricing, terms, and conditions.Professional certifications in Network Security or related information security domains. APPOINTMENT TERMS This is a full-time, permanent position located at the Storrs Campus in Storrs, CT. This position is on-site. THIS IS NOT A REMOTE POSITION. The position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule under applicable bargaining agreements, not less than an annual review, and management approval. This position may require you to travel in-state and you may be required to work irregular hours to support operational or security activities and initiatives. This is a full-time, end-dated position with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding. The University offers a competitive salary, and outstanding benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and a highly desirable work environment. Other rights, terms, and conditions of employment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the University of Connecticut Professional Employees Association (UCPEA). TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check. TO APPLY Please apply online at Faculty and Staff Positions, Search #499698 to upload a resume, cover letter, that demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position and contact information for three (3) professional references. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on August 5, 2026. All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics. All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to exhibit appreciation of, and contribute to, an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community. The University of Connecticut aspires to create a community built on collaboration and belonging and has actively sought to create an inclusive culture within the workforce. The success of the University is dependent on the willingness of our diverse employee and student populations to share their rich perspectives and backgrounds in a respectful manner. This makes it essential for each member of our community to feel secure and welcomed and to thoroughly understand and believe that their ideas are respected by all. We strongly respect each individual employee’s unique experiences and perspectives and encourage all members of the community to do the same. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, sex, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disabilities, veteran’s status, status as a victim of domestic violence and/or sexual assault and/or trafficking in persons as defined by Connecticut law, prior conviction of a crime, workplace hazards to the reproductive systems, or gender identity or expression. The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO employer including for Disability and Veteran status. Advertised: Jul 22 2026 Eastern Daylight TimeApplications close: Aug 05 2026 Eastern Daylight Time